A Touch Of Pink - Vintage Signed 'JAY FLEX' Rhodium, Sterling Silver Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Screw-Back Earrings (VE437)

A Touch Of Pink - Vintage Signed 'JAY FLEX' Rhodium, Sterling Silver Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Screw-Back Earrings. These wonderful earrings are crafted from rhodium plate over sterling silver, signed STERLING, and a makers mark JAY FLEX.  The earrings feature 4 emerald cut crystal rhinestones, numerous round cut crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. These high quality earrings are designed as a stylized leaf, which is adorned by beautiful fuchsia pink and clear sparkling crystals. The earrings are designed for non pierced and pierced ears, featuring vintage screw-backs. These vintage earrings are highly collectible and made by a high quality maker, confirmed by the makers mark.  Beauty and quality are so evident in these wonderful earrings. 

Note: ay Flex was one of the few companies that produced their crystal jewelry with a precious metal such as sterling silver. Wonderful quality piece. 

History: Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass

In 1862, Daniel Swarovski was born in Bohemia to a family that owned a crystal-cutting company. Now part of the Czech Republic, the Bohemia region has a rich history of crystal crafsmanship. In 1883, Daniel formed a jewelry company and by 1886, they had over 70 employees, and supplied jewelry for Queen Victoria. In 1891, Daniel registered a patent for the crystal cutting machine that he created and in 1895, moved from Bohemia to Wattens, Austria to begin crystal production.

In 1911, Daniel Swarovski and his family built their own glassworks factory and produced premium quality glass. During the 1920's, the "flapper" fashion trend caused a surge in demand for fashionable Swarovski designs. Shorter women's hairstyles led Swarovski to create a crystal-embellished fabric headband, which was also used as trimming for clothing. After the end of World War II, the company founded Swarovski Optik which used its expertise in glass manufacturing to create lenses, binoculars, and telescopes, making Swarovski a market leader in precision optics.

Initially, the primary application of rhodium involved its use as a catalyst rather than in jewellery plating. It was only in the 1930s that the concept of rhodium plating emerged, paving the way for its integration into the jewellery industry by the 1950s.

In the years following World War II, fashion became a huge trend. Popular designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and other Hollywood designers snapped up Swarovski crystal designs. In 1956, Daniel Swarovski collaborated with Christian Dior to create the popular Aurora Borealis (AB) effect that is still used to this day on crystal colors.

During this era, Hollywood designers started using Swarovski Crystals en masse. Marilyn Monroe wore crystal in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and during her famous birthday song to John F Kennedy. Swarovski Crystals were also used for the Ruby Slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" and they made appearances in "Sabrina" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." In 1974, the company developed the Hotfix technology allowing crystals to be fixed directly to clothing and fabrics without metal or plastic settings. In 1989, Swarovski replaced its original Edelweiss logo with the Swan logo, which is used on Swarovski packaging and storefronts around the world.

Swarovski produces crystals of the finest quality. The company's name has become synonymous with genuine crystal. Swarovski's specialized manufacturing processes, together with the highest quality raw materials, guarantee the highest possible degree of precision, component quality, consistency and unmatched brilliance.

Jay Flex was a Canadian business from the 1930s until the 1960s, and although a direct competitor to the better known Montreal based manufacturer Sherman, remains under appreciated. Jay Flex always used sterling silver settings, but coloured rhinestones are much less common than clear rhinestones in Jay Flex jewelry.

Measurements: Earrings 32.00 mm x 15.00 mm 

Stone Size: Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones : Variety of shapes and size. 

Weight: 7.38 grams 

Condition: Excellent  

Origin: Canada, Montreal  

Date: Circa 1950